Lion Links: 6/23/15

Happy Tuesday, Mane Landers.

Today is different from most Tuesdays. Sure, we’re two days into the work week, but we are also on the eve of an Orlando City game. This is a welcome addition to Lions fans and players who are looking to get the taste of Saturday’s loss to Montreal out of their mouths. OCSC has the perfect opponent to enact revenge on in Colorado, who are last in the Western Conference. The Rapids drew against Dallas 1-1 on June 19.

With one day until we converge in the Citrus Bowl once again, here are today’s Lion Links:

Orlando City Makes Another Mark Away From the Game

Orlando City continues to expand their reach off the pitch. Last week, the Orlando City Foundation announced they donated $10,000 to the Parramore Kid Zone for the second straight year. Ten students from the program will receive $1,000 in scholarships. Monday, the club announced they had sold tickets in all 50 states and Washington D.C. this season.

The final purchasing state was South Dakota, as Kyle resident Joe Flood purchased tickets to Wednesday’s came against Colorado. In a year that has provided highs and lows for Orlando City fans, the support has continued to grow.

U.S. Women Defeat Colombia

It was a tightly-contested game that got physical at times, but the United States Women’s National Team was able to score in the second half to earn a 2-0 win over Colombia and advance to the quarterfinals of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. After Abby Wambach missed a penalty, the U.S. struck first from an Alex Morgan goal, then converted on a penalty kick from Carli Lloyd. The United States will face China in the next round.

Pirlo Signing Makes NYCFC Roster One of the Most Expensive in MLS History

This week’s big MLS signing news came from the Bronx, as it is expected Andrea Pirlo will sign with NYCFC. According to the New York Daily News’ Stefan Bondy, the deal is expected to be for the same amount as David Villa and Frank Lampard’s, which is between $5 and $6 million per year. The deal gives NYCFC one of the most expensive rosters in league history and was done with some disagreement from the office, according to Bondy. NYCFC is currently eighth in the Eastern Conference with 17 points.

Maradona for FIFA President?

The man with the Hand of God will stand as a candidate for FIFA president, according to Uruguayan journalist Victor Hugo Morales. When asked about the presidency by Morales, Maradona kept it simple with two words: "Soy candidato."

The former Argentinian national team member has been vocal in his opposition to the scandals in FIFA and has support from Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. However, time will tell if this presidential campaign has any legs or if it's simply another celebrity running for office.

Orlando City Draft Pick Making Impact With Armada

Akeil Barrett’s professional soccer career so far has been one of perseverance. After being drafted by Orlando City in the second round of January’s MLS SuperDraft, the forward was waived by the team a month later.

Barrett joined the Jacksonville Armada in March on trial and has played in five games with the team, logging 99 minutes. In a short time Barrett has made an impact with the team, so much so that the Florida Times-Union listed him as part of the highs of the Armada’s season. Seven minutes after checking into a May 2 game against the San Antonio Scorpions, the Kingston, Jamaica native set up a goal to give the Armada a 2-1 win.